Gatwick Plans Routine use of its Existing Standby Runway

A draft master plan issued by Gatwick Airport explores the use of its existing standby runway. Gatwick is well-known for being the world’s busiest single-runway operation and recently lost out in a hard-fought battle for government approval to build a second runway.

The airport said it is keen to hear the views of the local community and stakeholders and is encouraging them to take part in a newly launched 12-week consultation.

The possible routine use of the standby runway forms part of a long-term grown plan that envisages how the airport might develop through to the early 2030s.

Gatwick explained that its draft master plan: “reflects Department for Transport guidance for airports to provide regular updates on their long-term plans and responds to the government’s recent call for airports to ‘make best use of their existing runways’.”

Airport CEO, Stewart Wingate, commented: “Our draft master plan marks the start of a new phase for Gatwick – building on what has made the airport the success it is today and pioneering again to take advantage of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

“As the UK heads towards an important new chapter, Gatwick’s growing global connections are needed more than ever but this must be achieved in the most sustainable way. From using new technologies on our main runway, to the innovative proposal to bring our existing standby runway into routine use, our draft master plan offers agile, productive and low-impact ways of unlocking much-needed new capacity and increased resilience from within our existing infrastructure.

“Gatwick’s growth has been built through partnership so as we look ahead at our future development, we want to shape these plans together with our local communities, our passengers, our airlines and partners. We would encourage as many people as possible to take part in our consultation process. This will help shape our plans for securing the region’s prosperity.”